2. amps-preamps
  3. 1012247157

Rack effects on aktiv equipment

I recently went akitv with 2 LK85s and a Majik as pre. When I fired it up, the mids were sucked out and all of the life was gone.

Connections, speaker configuration, placement have been tried to no affect. The dealer I work with is now suggesting the SoundOrg rack I have may be the culprit, and is particularly focusing on the current MDF shelves [about 3/8 in]. I have thought of changing to the enamel finished rack with glass shelves. He has contacts at Mana Accoustics and is running ideas across them; I am waiting for the dealer's inquiries to make a move. Unfortunately, something at a Mana level is probably outside of budget.

In the mean time, I have gone back to passive biamping because the sound was sucked-out so badly.

Anyone played with different racks and LINN gear?
k_peterso
gthrush1
241 posts
 
I have my linn Classik sitting in a zoethecus rack with the e.shelf instead of the much more expensive z.slab or z.pod.

Sounds good to me. I really doubt the rack can have THAT much effect. What is your source?
k_peterso OP
32 posts
 
Genki, K400 and Std LINN ICs. So far everyone is stumped. The dealer doesn't believe it's a room affect either.

The only thing hasn't been is send the cards to LINN for testing, which seems dubious.
rcprince
2,830 posts
 
I'm sorry to butt in when I have no real experience with Linn gear other than having heard a friend's system both passive and Aktiv (using no special rack, by the way), but while I have heard sonic differences from vibration control devices and racks I have never heard a sonic difference from them as significant or pronounced as the one you describe. I'm curious, do you biamp from the same rack with no ill effects? If so, that should rule out the room, the rack and the speakers; I'd think something has to be wrong in the amps--maybe they set them up with crossover configurations for a different Linn (you are using Linn speakers, I assume) speaker by mistake?
k_peterso OP
32 posts
 
Unfortuntely, no. The cards are Keilidh cards, which LINN confirm are a correct match for my Ninkas and should be fine to use. Given the sound is little changed in overall character from my Majik when biamping, I believe the amps are in proper order.

But you do raise an interesting point, as the aktiv cards themselves are the one variable which seems to be causing the issue. This could be pointing to a malfunctioning card...
More to discover